U.S. patent number 7,695,433 [Application Number 11/657,876] was granted by the patent office on 2010-04-13 for laryngoscope with disposable blade cover.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Zeppelin Designs, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jonathan Simons.
United States Patent |
7,695,433 |
Simons |
April 13, 2010 |
Laryngoscope with disposable blade cover
Abstract
A laryngoscope for use with a disposable blade cover is
provided. The laryngoscope comprises a handle and a blade. The
laryngoscope further comprises an actuator system for selectively
securing the disposable blade cover about at least a portion of the
blade.
Inventors: |
Simons; Jonathan (Savannah,
GA) |
Assignee: |
Zeppelin Designs, Inc. (Saint
Simons Island, GA)
|
Family
ID: |
39641946 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/657,876 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20080177147 A1 |
Jul 24, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/186; 600/203;
600/193; 600/190; 600/185 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
1/267 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
1/267 (20060101); A61B 1/32 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;600/121,124,125,185,186,203 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Barrett; Thomas C
Assistant Examiner: Sevilla; Christian
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hutter; Jacqueline
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A laryngoscope, comprising: a handle; a blade having an
elongated portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion
being configured to position the elongated portion relative to the
handle, wherein the mounting portion comprises side walls having an
exterior surface, and wherein at least one of the side walls
defines at least one aperture extending therethrough the wall; a
disposable blade cover comprising a proximal end and a spaced
distal end, wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the
disposable blade cover defines at least one cavity configured to
slidably receive at least a portion of the elongated portion of the
blade, and wherein the proximal end of the disposable blade cover
defines at least one latching cavity; and an actuator system
comprising at least one latching pin, each latching pin being
configured to pass through one aperture of the mounting portion and
be at least partially received by the at least one latching cavity,
and wherein the actuator system is configured to selectively move
the at least one latching pin between an extended position that is
configured to selectively secure the disposable blade cover over at
least a portion of the elongated portion of the blade, in which
each latching pin extends through one aperture outwardly away from
the exterior surface of the side wall and at least partially
extends therein the at least one latching cavity, and a retracted
position configured to allow for the selective removal of the
disposable blade cover from the elongated portion of the blade, in
which each latching pin is retracted within the aperture and below
a plane of the exterior surface of the side wall.
2. The laryngoscope of claim 1, further comprising an ejector
mechanism positioned on the mounting portion and configured to
eject the disposable blade cover away from the mounting portion and
along the length of the elongated portion.
3. The laryngoscope of claim 2, wherein the ejector mechanism
comprises a spring securably attached to the mounting portion and
positioned between the mounting portion and the proximal end of the
disposable blade cover.
4. The laryngoscope of claim 3, wherein the spring is held in
compression between a distal end of the disposable blade cover and
the mounting portion when the at least one latching pin is in the
extended position, and wherein the spring is released when the at
least one latching pin is in the retracted position to eject the
disposable blade cover along the elongated portion of the
blade.
5. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the blade is selectively
movable relative to the handle in an arc between a first position
and a second position.
6. The laryngoscope of claim 5, wherein the blade moves in a plane
that bisects a longitudinal axis of the handle.
7. The laryngoscope of claim 6, wherein the blade is selectively
positionable at any point along the arc between the first and
second positions.
8. The laryngoscope of claim 5, wherein the mounting portion is
positionable between the handle and the elongated portion of the
blade.
9. The laryngoscope of claim 8, wherein the side walls of the
mounting portion comprise two generally parallel side walls, and
wherein each side wall has a predetermined thickness and a
longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the blade in its first position.
10. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the actuator system
comprises a means for selectively driving the at least one latching
pin.
11. The laryngoscope of claim 10, wherein the means for selectively
driving the at least one latching pin comprises: a cam that is
operatively coupled to the at least one latching pin such that
selective rotation of the cam causes selective movement of the at
least one latching pin between its respective retracted position
and extended position; and a means for rotating the cam.
12. The laryngoscope of claim 11, wherein the means for rotating
the cam comprises a motor having a shaft that is rotatable about
its longitudinal axis.
13. The laryngoscope of claim 12, wherein the motor is a solenoid
motor.
14. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
actuator system is disposed therein an interior portion of the
mounting portion of the blade.
15. A laryngoscope, comprising: a handle; a blade having an
elongated portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion
being configured to position the elongated portion relative to the
handle, wherein the mounting portion comprises side walls having an
exterior surface, and wherein at least one of the side walls
defines at least one aperture extending therethrough the wall; a
disposable blade cover comprising a proximal end and a spaced
distal end, wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the
disposable blade cover defines at least one cavity configured to
slidably receive at least a portion of the elongated portion of the
blade, and wherein the proximal end of the disposable blade cover
defines at least one latching cavity; and at least one latching
pin, each latching pin being configured to pass through one
aperture of the mounting portion and be at least partially received
by the at least one latching cavity and to selectively move between
an extended position in which each latching pin extends through one
aperture outwardly away from the exterior surface of the side wall
and at least partially extends therein the at least one latching
cavity to selectively secure the disposable blade cover over at
least a portion of the elongated portion of the blade and a
retracted position in which each latching pin is retracted within
the aperture and below a plane of the exterior surface of the side
wall configured to allow for the selective removal of the
disposable blade cover from the elongated portion of the blade.
16. A laryngoscope, comprising: a handle; a blade having an
elongated portion and a mounting portion, wherein the mounting
portion is configured to position the elongated portion relative to
the handle, wherein the mounting portion comprises side walls
having an exterior surface, and wherein at least one of the side
walls defines at least one aperture extending therethrough the
wall; a disposable blade cover comprising a proximal end and a
spaced distal end, wherein at least a portion of the distal end of
the disposable blade cover defines at least one cavity configured
to slidably receive at least a portion of the elongated portion of
the blade, and wherein the proximal end of the disposable blade
cover defines at least one latching cavity; at least one latching
pin, each latching pin being configured to pass through one
aperture of the mounting portion and be at least partially received
by the at least one latching cavity and to selectively move between
an extended position in which each latching pin extends through one
aperture and outwardly away from the exterior surface of the side
wall and at least partially extends therein the at least one
latching cavity to selectively secure the disposable blade cover
over at least a portion of the elongated portion of the blade and a
retracted position in which each latching pin is retracted within
the aperture and below a plane of the exterior surface of the side
wall configured to allow for the selective removal of the
disposable blade cover from the elongated portion of the blade; and
means for selectively driving the at least one latching pin between
the extended and retracted positions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Laryngoscopes are common devices used in medical and surgical
practice. A laryngoscope generally comprises a blade portion and a
handle portion. The primary use of a laryngoscope is to expose the
larynx of a patient to assist with the placement of an endotracheal
tube. During endotracheal tube placement, laryngoscopes tend to be
contaminated by the patient's oral fluids. Contaminated
laryngoscopes endanger both medical practitioner and patients.
Needed in the art is a convenient system and laryngoscope for use
with a disposable blade covering that allows for decreased
contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the purpose(s) of this invention, as embodied
and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect,
relates to a laryngoscope for use with a disposable blade cover.
The laryngoscope comprises a handle and a blade. The laryngoscope
further comprises an actuator system for selectively securing the
disposable blade cover about at least a portion of the blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the
instant invention and together with the description, serve to
explain, without limitation, the principles of the invention. Like
reference characters used therein indicate like parts throughout
the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a first embodiment
of a laryngoscope and disposable blade cover of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevational view of a second embodiment
of the laryngoscope and disposable blade cover of the present
invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the laryngoscope and
disposable blade cover of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an elongated portion, a mounting
portion, and an axle mount of the laryngoscope of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator system
of the exemplary laryngoscope that comprises at least one latching
pin, and showing a means for selectively driving the latching pins
about and between an extended position and a retracted
position.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the means for selectively
driving the latching pins about and between an extended position
and a retracted position of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the
laryngoscope of FIG. 1 taken across line 7-7 of FIG. 1, showing a
pair of latching pins in a retracted position.
FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the
laryngoscope of FIG. 1 taken across line 7-7 of FIG. 1, showing the
pair of latching pins in an extended position.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary
actuator system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention can be understood more readily by reference
to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and
claims, and their previous and following description. However,
before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed
and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not
limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed
unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is
also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended
to be limiting.
The following description of the invention is provided as an
enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known
embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the
various aspects of the invention described herein, while still
obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will
also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present
invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the
present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly,
those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications
and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even
be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present
invention. Thus, the following description is provided as
illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in
limitation thereof.
As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to a "surface" includes aspects having
two or more such surfaces unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular
value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a
range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of
the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint,
and independently of the other endpoint.
As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the
subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur,
and that the description includes instances where said event or
circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
By a "subject" is meant an individual. The term subject includes
small or laboratory animals as well as primates, including humans.
The term subject does not denote a particular age or sex. Thus,
adult and newborn animals, whether male or female, are included.
The term "patient" includes human and veterinary patients.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference
to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of
the invention and the examples included therein and to the Figures
and their previous and following description.
Referring generally to the figures, provided herein is a
laryngoscope for use with a disposable blade cover. In one aspect,
the laryngoscope comprises a handle and a blade. In a further
aspect, the laryngoscope can further comprise an actuator system
for selectively securing the disposable blade cover about at least
a portion of the blade.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, an exemplary laryngoscope in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosed invention is illustrated. In
one aspect, the exemplary laryngoscope 100 comprises a handle 102
and a blade 103. In this aspect, the blade 103 comprises an
elongated portion 104 and a mounting portion 106. In a further
aspect, the mounting portion can be used to mount the blade to a
portion of the laryngoscope handle.
It is contemplated that the laryngoscope can be used with a
disposable sleeve, cover or sheath 108. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that such terms are used interchangeably throughout and
are intended to cover any rigid or semi-rigid covering material
that can be placed about at least a portion of the elongated blade
portion. In another aspect, the disposable sheath 108 can also be
designed and used to cover portions of the mounting portion of the
blade 106 and/or to cover portions of the handle 102, if
desired.
In one aspect, the disposable sheath or sleeve can have a proximal
end and a spaced distal end. In this aspect, a portion of the
distal end of the disposable sheath defines at least one cavity
that is configured to complementarily surround at least a portion
of the distal end of the elongated portion of the blade. In another
aspect, the disposable sleeve can be used to cover at least a
portion of the elongated blade portion during insertion of the
blade into the oropharynx of the subject. In this aspect, the
disposable sleeve can be configured to protect the blade from
contact with the oropharynx or from fluids found therein during
operation.
In a further aspect, the disposable sleeve can act to keep the
elongated blade portion clean and free of debris by encasing it in
a rigid or semi-rigid material which can be selectively slideably
removed from the elongated blade portion. It is contemplated that
the sleeve can be made of any material known for covering and
protecting medical instruments including plastic or other
semi-rigid materials.
In various aspects, the disposable sleeve 108 can be configured to
be slideably and selectively removed from the laryngoscope. For
example, the disposable sleeve can be slideable and selectively
removed from the elongated blade portion. Optionally, the
disposable sleeve can also be selectively removed from portions of
the handle or mounting portion of the blade if portions of the
handle or mounting portion of the blade are covered by the
disposable sleeve.
In one aspect, the disposable sleeve can be removed by manually
sliding the sleeve distally away from the mounting portion of the
blade along the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion of the
blade 103. It is contemplated that the sleeve can be disposed of
once it separated from the blade. A clean disposable sheath 108 can
then be positioned over the elongated portion 104 of the blade by
sliding the covering proximally along the elongated blade portion
towards the mounting portion of the blade and the handle.
It is contemplated that the elongated portion 104 of the blade 103
can vary in length. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
described invention is not intended to be limited by any dimension
of the elongated portion of the blade including its length, width,
or shape. The elongated blade portion 104, and the laryngoscope as
a whole, can be used to assist a medical practitioner with
placement of an endotracheal tube within a subject. Methods for
placing an endotracheal tube using a laryngoscope are well known to
those of skill in the art. Thus, any blade structure that can be
used to assist placement of a tube into the airways of the subject
can be used. For example, Miller and Macintosh blades and sheaths
for these respective blades can be used.
In a further aspect, the blade can be made of any appropriate
material including, for example and without limitation, stainless
steel. Other materials commonly used for laryngoscope blades can
also be used including those that can be readily sterilized. The
materials can exemplarily be rigid or semi-rigid. In a further
aspect, the elongated blade portion can have a conventional shape
and can be, for example and without limitation, generally straight,
at least partially curved, or substantially curved. Of course, it
is contemplated that the particular blade configurations can be
selected by one of skill in the art based on many factors,
including, but not limited to, the preference of the practitioner
inserting the endotracheal tube into the subject.
Connections between the blade and the handle 102 are well known to
those skilled in the art. In one exemplary aspect, mounting can be
accomplished by removably securing the mounting portion 106 of the
blade to the bottom portion of the handle 102. Moreover, the
laryngoscope can be configured to allow for movement of the blade
relative to the handle when mounted. For example, the securable
attachment of the mounting portion to the handle can be a hinged to
allow for the movement of the elongated portion of the blade along
an arc both towards and away from the handle.
In one example, the mounting portion of the blade can be connected
to the bottom portion of the handle using an axle mount 112. In
this aspect, the axle mount can be mounted to the bottom portion of
the handle and is configured such that the mounting portion 106 of
the blade can be mounted in a removable fashion to the handle. In a
further aspect, the axle mount can be conventionally configured to
allow the blade to be moved in an arcuate path from a closed to
open position or to any position along the arcuate path. In one
aspect, the blade of the described laryngoscope can be selectively
movable along an arcuate path between a first position and a second
position. In one example, the arcuate path of the blade can be in a
plane that substantially bisects a longitudinal axis of the handle.
It is contemplated that the blade can be selectively positionable
at any point along its arcuate path between the respective first
and second positions. Such movement and the use of such an
exemplary axle mount is known to those skilled in the art of
laryngoscope manufacture and use.
In one aspect, the mounting portion of the blade can comprise side
walls 302 that have an exterior surface. In another aspect, at
least one of the side walls can define at least one aperture 304
that extends through the wall. Preferably, the mounting portion 106
of the blade can comprise two generally parallel side walls 302. In
this aspect, each side wall can have a predetermined thickness and
a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the blade in its first position.
In a further aspect of the invention, the laryngoscope can comprise
an actuator system comprising at least one latching pin 306. The
actuator system can further comprise a means for selectively
driving the latching pins about and between an extended position
and a retracted position. For example and without limitation, the
means for selectively driving the latching pins can comprise a
motor or solenoid. In one aspect, at least a portion of the
actuator system can be disposed in an interior portion of the
mounting portion of the blade.
In another aspect, the means for selectively driving the latching
pins 306 can further comprise a cam 308, a shaft solenoid drive
312, also referred to herein as a solenoid drive shaft, and one or
more linkage armatures 314. In one example, the shaft is a moveable
portion of the motor or solenoid that is configured to be
selectively driven to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The cam
is mounted to a portion of the shaft and can be selectively driven
to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In one aspect,
each linkage armatures is configured to be operatively coupled to a
portion of the nose of the cam. Optionally, the cam can have a pair
of noses and each linkage armatures is operatively coupled to one
individual nose. In this aspect, it is further contemplated that
the noses would be positioned generally along a common axis of the
cam. In one aspect, the common axis of the cam can form the largest
cross-sectional length dimension of the cam.
In a further aspect, the actuator system can further comprise a
solenoid or motor 310, as well as at least one pin mount 316.
Optionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any
combination of motor and intermediate member or members linking the
motor's generated force to the pins for the pins extension or
retraction is contemplated to be an actuator system.
Thus, the disposable sleeve laryngoscope can comprise a handle
portion, a blade portion, including mounting portion, an elongated
blade portion and an actuator system. The actuator system can be
disposed at least partially within the mounting portion. The
actuator system can be driven electrically and selectively by a
user for the selective securement or removal of the disposable
sleeve.
Each latching pin can be configured to pass through an aperture of
the mounting portion. The actuator system can be configured to
selectively move between an extended position that is configured to
selectively secure the disposable blade cover over at least a
portion of the elongated portion of the blade, in which each
latching pin extends through one aperture and outwardly away from
the exterior surface of the side wall, and a retracted position
configured to allow for the selective removal of the blade cover
from the elongated portion of the blade, in which each latching pin
is retracted within the aperture and below the plane of the
exterior surface of the side wall.
The disposable sleeve can be securably attached to the exemplary
laryngoscope 100. Securable attachment may be desirable during
procedures for which the laryngoscope is used, including assisting
the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the subject. In one
aspect the disposable sleeve remains securely attached to the
laryngoscope during a procedure. Upon completion of the medical
procedure, the disposable sleeve can be selectively removed by
unsecuring the disposable sleeve from the laryngoscope before
removal.
In one exemplary embodiment, the disposable sleeve can be securably
attached to the laryngoscope in a position covering at least a
portion of the elongated portion of the blade by protruding members
or latching pins. Exemplary latching pins 306 are shown in FIGS.
3-8.
FIG. 3 shows an exploded schematic diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a disposable sleeve laryngoscope similar to those
described in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 shows the mounting portion 106
in greater detail. As described above, each side wall 302 can have
at least one aperture 304 located therethrough the wall. The
apertures are designed for the ingress and egress of a
complementary pin 306. Thus, the number of pins 306, holes 118, and
apertures 304 can vary. For example, an exemplary embodiment can
have at least one pin, hole, and aperture. Typically, the number of
apertures in the side walls, the number of latching pins and the
number of cavities or holes in the disposable sleeve will be the
same. As described above, there can also be a plurality, and
typically, although not required, the number of each hole, aperture
and pin will be equal.
Apertures 304 are configured such that pins or protrusions for
engagement with the disposable sleeve can be extended therethrough
the apertures 304 for engagement with the latching holes 118 of a
disposable sleeve 114 or for retraction therethrough of the pins
from the holes 118 and into the interior of mounting portion
106.
The latching pins 306 in the retracted position can be enclosed or
partially enclosed within the interior of mounting portion. At
least a portion of the pins can also be located within the
aperture. The pins can be extended through the side walls upon
activation of the motorized mechanism.
Each latching pin can be configured to pass through one aperture of
the mounting portion and therein at least a portion of one cavity
of the sheath to selectively secure the sheath to the blade. The
actuator system can also be configured to selectively move between
an extended position, in which each latching pin extends through
one aperture and outwardly away from the exterior surface of the
side wall, and a retracted position, in which each latching pin is
retracted within the aperture and below the plane of the exterior
surface of the side wall. The sheath can be configured to
selectively cover at least a portion of the elongated portion of
the blade. When the actuator system is in the retracted position,
the sheath can be selectively and slideably removed from the
elongated portion of the blade.
Latching pins 308 can project from within the interior of the
mounting portion of the blade. The pins 308 can be seated into
complimentary holes or cavities 118 (FIGS. 1 and 2) within the
proximal end of the removable blade cover 114. When seated, the
protrusions or pins help to securably attach the disposable sleeve
onto the laryngoscope.
In one aspect, the pins or protrusions can exist in an extended
position wherein the pins 308 are seated in the holes 118 or
cavities in the disposable sleeve 114. In this position, the
disposable sleeve is secured in its covering position.
The pins 308 can also be selectively moved from the extended
position to a retracted position. In the retracted position, the
pins 308 are withdrawn from their seated position within the holes
118 in the disposable sleeve 114. When the pins are withdrawn from
the holes in the sleeve, they no longer function to securably
attach the disposable sleeve to the laryngoscope and the sleeve can
be selectively removed from the laryngoscope for disposal.
The pins or protrusions 306 can be selectively placed into a
position protruding into the cavities or holes 118 or into a
position retracted from the holes 118. In one aspect, the selective
movement between the retracted position and the extended position
can be accomplished by a motorized mechanism. In operation, a user
may selectively activate the motor to move the pins between their
extended or retracted position. The user may also activate the
motor to move the pins between their retracted and extended
position. Thus, the operator can selectively activate the motor to
cause it to either move the pins from their retracted position to
their extended position for securing the disposable sleeve about
the laryngoscope, or to move the pins from the extended position to
the retracted position for removal of the blade from about the
laryngoscope.
Activation of a motor 310 (FIG. 3) can be accomplished by a user of
the laryngoscope by engaging a circuit 120 (FIG. 1). The circuit
120 can be engaged by any conventional switching mechanism that
allows for the user to selectively engage the circuit. For example,
and without limitation, the switching mechanism can be a button,
switch or other mechanism used to engage the electrical circuit to
provide electrical power to the motor 310 for operation thereof.
Thus, the user can engage the circuit to selectively activate the
motor to drive movement of the pins 306 between their extended or
retracted position.
Optionally, in some exemplary embodiments, there can be multiple
latching holes or cavities 118 in the disposable sleeve 108.
Complimentary with the multiple holes, there can be multiple
protrusions or latching pins 306 that can engage or be removed from
the multiple holes. In other exemplary embodiments, there can be
one pin 306 with one complementary hole 118. Therefore, it is
contemplated that there can be at least one latching hole 118 in
the disposable sleeve and at least one complimentary latching pin
or protrusion 306 for selective engagement of the hole.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the disposable sleeve
laryngoscope 200 wherein the sleeve has one latching hole 118. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, there can also be a second hole 118
opposite of the shown hole 306. In this case, the sleeve can
comprise two holes and the laryngoscope can comprise two
complementary pins 306. Any combination in number of pins and
complementary holes can be used to selectively secure the sleeve
about the laryngoscope. In another example, FIG. 4 shows a
schematic diagram of the elongated and mounting portions of the
blade in an exemplary operative configuration. In this example, the
embodied operative configuration 400 has two latching pins 306
shown in their extended position through a sidewall 302 of the
mounting portion.
The latching pins 306 are operatively connected to the sol cam 308
by linkage armatures 314. This configuration allows for the
transfer of force from a solenoid to cause rotational clockwise or
counterclockwise motion of the sol cam. Motion of the sol cam can
transfer force through the linkage armatures 314 to the pins 306,
which are configured for pivotal movement around the pin mount 316,
for extension or retraction. In the retracted position the pins 306
can be flush with the side walls. It is not intended, however, that
the pins 306 necessarily attain a flush position relative to the
side walls. Rather, the pins only need to be withdrawn out of the
holes 118 in the disposable sleeve to an extent that the disposable
sleeve can be selectively removed.
As shown in the exemplary embodiment, clockwise movement can
encourage retraction of the latching pins 306. In this position the
sleeve 114 is no longer securably attached about the laryngoscope.
Similarly, a counterclockwise rotation of the sol cam can produce a
movement of the pins into their extended position for engagement
with the holes 118 in the disposable sleeve. To move the linkage
cam 314 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the linkage
cam can be operatively attached to a motor mechanism or solenoid
310 through a shaft or solenoid drive shaft 312 that engages the
sol cam 308 and that also engages with the solenoid or motor such
that the motor can drive rotation of the solenoid shaft 312 in a
clockwise or counterclockwise fashion causing a complimentary
clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the sol cam.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show an exemplary actuator system for use with an
exemplary disposable sleeve laryngoscope. This view shows an
exemplary embodiment with two latching pins 306 on each side for a
total of four latching pins. A disposable sleeve for use with this
embodiment can comprise four complimentary latching holes. The
actuator system can be disposed with the interior of a mounting
portion 106 and the mounting portion can have complimentary
apertures for ingress and egress of the four latching pins 306.
FIG. 5 also shows the linkage armatures 314 for transferring
rotational movement of the sol cam 308 to the latching pins 306.
Rotational movement can be delivered to the sol cam by the solenoid
shaft 312 which can be operatively engaged with the solenoid or
motor 310. Thus, activation of the solenoid motor 310 can cause the
rotational movement of the shaft 312 in a counterclockwise fashion
which causes a complementary clockwise or counterclockwise
rotational movement of the solenoid cam. This, in turn, causes a
force to be transferred to the linkage armatures 314, which causes
either the retraction or extension of the pins 306.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the exemplary actuator system 600. In
this embodiment, the solenoid 312 or motor which acts on the
solenoid drive or shaft 312 is operatively connected to the sol cam
308 for delivering a rotational force generated by the solenoid or
motor 310 through the solenoid shaft to the sol cam for rotational
movement in a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion of the sol cam.
Force is transferred into the linkage armatures and to the pins
306. In this embodiment, the pins 306 are pivotally mounted to the
pin mount, which is fixed relative to the mounting portion. Thus,
rotational force applied to the sol cam can deliver a force through
the linkage armatures to the pins to allow for the selective
rotative movement of the pins 306 relative to and about the pin
mount 316 such that the force transferred by the linkage armatures
causes the outward or inward movement of the pins through the
aperture on the sidewall of the mounting portion.
In one aspect, means for selectively driving the latching pins can
comprise a cam that is operatively coupled to the at least one
latching pin such that selective rotation of the cam causes
selective movement of the at least one latching pin between its
respective retracted and extended position. The means can further
comprise a means for rotating the cam. The means for rotating the
cam can comprise a motor having a shaft that is rotatable about its
longitudinal axis. In one non-limiting example, the motor can be a
solenoid motor.
FIG. 7A shows a cross-section through plane along the line A shown
in FIG. 1 and shows the actuator system positioned when the
latching pins 306 are in their extended position. In this position,
the pins can engage a disposable sleeve so that it could be
securably attached to the laryngoscope. FIG. 7B shows a
cross-section of the blade through the same plane A shown in FIG. 1
and shows the latching pins in their retracted position. As is
shown in FIG. 7B, clockwise rotation of the sol cam 314 caused by
force from the sol shaft 312 and the solenoid 310 causes a
rotational movement of the sol cam. In the shown embodiment,
clockwise movement of the sol cam places a pulling force on the
linkage armatures 314 to withdraw the pins 306 through the
apertures 304 to subsequently position the pins 306 into their
retracted position. One would appreciate that movement of the sol
cam in the opposing direction can produce a pushing type force on
the linkage armatures such that the pins are extended into the
position shown in FIG. 7A. In this position, the pins extend beyond
flush with the sidewalls of the mounting portion 302 such that they
can engage complimentary holes 118 on a disposable sleeve 114.
Whether a clockwise or counterclockwise motion of the solenoid is
used to drive the solenoid cam and in turn to remove, to retract or
to extend said pins is a design choice well within the skill in the
art. Thus, a counterclockwise motion can retract the pins or a
counterclockwise movement can extend the pins. Similarly, a
clockwise rotational movement can extend the pins or a clockwise
rotation can withdraw the pins.
FIG. 8 shows another exemplary embodiment of an actuator system
that can be used in a disposable sleeve laryngoscope of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the actuator system is used without
a rotationally driven actuator mechanism. In such a system, shown
in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the latching pins 306 can positioned in an
extended position (FIG. 8A) or a retracted position (FIG. 8B). A
force can be transferred to the pins for selective extension of the
pins through the apertures 304 in the sidewalls 302. The force can
be transferred to the pins through a pair of opposed armatures 802
that have an angular intermediate portion 803. In one aspect, a
distal end portion of the armatures 802 is securably attached to
the bottom end of the pins 306. In one aspect, the pins are
selectively translated from the extended position to the retracted
position by applying force to a pushing member 804 which translates
along a substantially linear path toward the pins and acts on the
angularly disposed portions of the opposing armatures to move the
opposing armature inward and toward each other. As exemplarily
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the movement of the pushing member 804
towards the pins causes the intermediate portion 803 of the opposed
armatures 802 to be driven from a position more lateral to the
sidewalls 302 to a position more medial to the central axis of the
mounting portion. The medial position of the intermediate portion
803 causes a complimentary retraction of the pins 306 through the
apertures 304. As one would appreciate, lateral movement of the
intermediate portions of the opposed armatures 802 from the medial
position towards a more lateral position in proximity to the
lateral walls 302 allows for the extension of the pins into their
extended position.
In this embodiment, the pushing and retraction of the pushing
member to allow for the medial or lateral movement of the
intermediate portions of the opposed armatures can be accomplished
through manual force applied to or removed from the activator 806.
The manual force can also be applied through automated or
semi-automated means such as a motor.
Thus, the invention described and claimed herein is a laryngoscope
or laryngoscope system comprising a handle, a blade and an actuator
system. The actuator system can comprise at least one latching pin
for securably attaching a disposable sleeve 114. The pins can be
positioned and moved between an extended or retracted position.
Extension of the pins and retraction of the pins can be
accomplished in a variety of ways, several of which are described
herein. For example, as described above, in one embodiment a
motorized or otherwise driven rotational force can deliver energy
for extension or retraction of the pins as shown in FIGS. 1-7.
Moreover, a force causing medial or lateral movement of the pins
that does not use a rotational force can be used as described in
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the means for
retracting and extending the pins are not intended to be
limiting.
Also provided herein is a laryngoscope for use with a disposable
blade cover, comprising a handle and a blade. The blade can have an
elongated portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion can
be configured to position the elongated portion relative to the
handle. The mounting portion can comprise side walls having an
exterior surface. At least one of the side walls can define at
least one aperture extending therethrough the wall. The
laryngoscope can further comprise at least one latching pin. Each
latching pin can be configured to pass through one aperture of the
mounting portion to selectively move between an extended position
and a retracted position. In the extended position, each latching
pin can extend through one aperture and outwardly away from the
exterior surface of the side wall to selectively secure the
disposable blade cover over at least a portion of the elongated
portion of the blade. In the retracted position, each latching pin
can be retracted within the aperture and below the plane of the
exterior surface of the side wall configured to allow for the
selective removal of the blade cover from the elongated portion of
the blade.
As described above, removal of the disposable sleeve can be
accomplished manually. For example, a medical practitioner can pull
the disposable sleeve distally along the elongated portion of the
blade until it is fully removed from its position covering the
blade. Removal of the disposable sleeve cover can also be assisted
or accomplished using non-manual means. In one aspect, an ejector
mechanism can be positioned on the mounting portion that is
configured to eject the disposable blade cover away from the
mounting portion and along the length of the elongated portion. For
example, the ejector mechanism can comprise a spring member or
spring resist 110 that is used to assist or accomplish sleeve
removal. In this aspect, the spring member 110 can be positioned
such that when the pins are withdrawn from the latching holes that
the spring member encourages the sleeve distally along the length
of the elongated portion. In one aspect, the spring member can be
securably attached to the mounting portion and positioned between
the mounting portion and the proximal end of the disposable blade
covering. In one aspect, the spring can be held in a compressed
configuration between the distal end of the disposable blade cover
and the mounting portion when the actuator is in its extended
position. In operation, when the actuator is moved to its retracted
position the spring can be released to eject the disposable blade
cover along the elongated portion of the blade.
In a further aspect, the spring member can be powerful enough to
fully eject the disposable blade covering from the elongated
portion of the blade or can assist the manual removal by ejecting
the disposable sleeve some distance along the elongated portion of
the blade.
The preceding description of the invention is provided as an
enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known
embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the
various aspects of the invention described herein, while still
obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will
also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present
invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the
present invention without utilizing other features. The
corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all
means or step plus function elements in the claims below are
intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing
the functions in combination with other claimed elements as
specifically claimed.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only.
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